Solcar - 4. Quinto 195804.23 & Chelsea 2014

“Why do I even bother? They’ll never allow me to do it, Pater.”

“A little more faith in the High Lords, Osclar; they do surprise petitioners now and then.”

“Garuth the garuthing Council, it’s Fater who will make the decision, and we both know it.”

“Well then, maybe a little more faith in your fater and me, his mate. But using that kind of language won’t help you.”

“Fine, I’ll shut up and behave. I’ll answer all their question with Yes, My Lords or No, My Lords, but I swear if he gets all uppity, I’m going to be the second one of your offspring to be exiled. I still haven’t forgiven him for what he did to Solcar.”

Entering the Council room, Osclar stood at the center, as each High Lord floated above its platform.

“Your brother was exiled to Terra and forced to spend five thousand of its years living as a human, the lowest form of so-called intelligent life in the cluster. He has, every five Terran years, suffered a new form of loss or pain experiencing the misery the lower beings must endure,” said his fater, the eldest amongst the Lords.

“He is now near the end of his sentence and will soon be ready to resume his position as High Lord for Star Cluster ΔΣΠ ∞ 1907, what those humans call the Milky Way. It is our fervent hope he has learned his lesson, that he has realized getting too close to the lower life forms he is supposed to watch over can only lead to trouble. Do you understand?”

“Yes, My Lords,” replied Osclar.

“We understand you wish to serve as the auditor for your brother’s sentence.”

“Yes, My Lords.”

“And you are aware that by serving in such a capacity, you will be required to spend time revisiting the places he has lived in and performing the usual duties of an auditor?”

“Yes, My Lords.”

“Very well, seeing no objections, make it so.”

•••

“Why do I even bother?” asked Colton of his reflection in the mirror.

“Because you promised.” The blonde, six foot four, muscular, hairy man staring back at him seemed to reply.

“Hey, Colt, so glad you agreed to join us tonight; we’ve barely seen you the past couple of months.” He stood near the back bar of the club, next to his small group of friends who had convinced him to come out. “No way were we going to let you stay home tonight.”

“Hi guys, it’s nice to see you, but December 31 is not my idea of a night to spend at a bar. I’ll stay until we ring in the New Year, but I’m headed home right afterward.”

“That’s all we asked for, but you better get ready; tall, dark, and handsome’s headed this way, and his eyes can’t see anything but you.”

“What?” Colton turned around and came face to face with the brightest pair of green eyes he had ever seen. Another flash of brightness distracted him when a set of white teeth appeared below the eyes as part of a wide smile.

“Hi, I’m Tony Martellini. What’s your name? You come here often?” asked the dark-haired man, with the heavy beard shadow on his face, and curly black hairs showing through the open neck of his body-hugging silk shirt.

Colton rolled his eyes. “Oh no, you didn’t. You did not just ask me that.”

“Yes, I did, handsome. I may not know your name yet, but I know you’ve seldom, if ever, been here before. I own the joint.”

“Colton, my name’s Colton Mann. Nice to meet you, Tony. I’m impressed you were able to use such a corny, old line in a different way.”

“Just trying to impress the man I’m welcoming the New Year with and who I’ll be taking to breakfast later in the morning.”

Colton glanced at the alarm clock on his nightstand; it read 11:30. He looked to the other side and smiled. Sprawled on his bed was the most gorgeous man he had ever met—what a night.

“Hey, Antonio! Wake up! You promised me breakfast. And when we get back, it’s my turn to top again!”